How do you know if they are for real?

Ask for a card.  If they are an associate scout the will have a business card. 

I don't know if this list is accurate or up to date. I've never had 100% confidence in Wikipedia information. But if the guy is on a list here chances are he's a scout. If he's not on a list here it doesn't mean he isn't. I don't know if this list is just full time scouts or includes associates.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C...eball_scouts_by_team

 

There's also The Baseball Blue Book online. It's $20 for three months.

 

http://www.baseballbluebook.com/store

I wouldn't go by that Wikipedia site. Looked up the Braves and there are a couple guys I know are scouts that are not listed. I don't think it's very accurate.

Asking for a card would work. Asking what scout they work for might also.

That Wikipedia link is not accurate. I've never heard of the Baseball Blue Book. The most comprehensive directory of contacts available is the Baseball America Directory, published annually. Associate scouts will not be listed there, however.

There's a new fangled thing called Google that you could try

Way back in the day, I used to work various camps for various organizations.  I hit fungos to the infield and threw BP.  The players trying out all thought that I was a scout.  Even back then, a real scout had identification that verified their association with either a team or league.  Ask for the ID!

A scout isn't necessarily going to come up on Google, especially an associate. As I pointed out with the Wikipedia list if the name is there you know. If it isn't there doesn't mean he isn't a scout as the list may not be complete. The Blue Book came up near the top in a Google search as someone suggested is the best avenue. I figured the most promiment book would show near the top. I knew there was one that is more comprehensive. I was just trying to provide some possible ways to find out. I'll mind my own business next time.

He did have a card but it seemed cheap and he was very loud and to the point of being obnoxious.  His pitch was if we joined his team, my son could get some serious exposure.  I would think MLB clubs would want their scouts to not use their positions as sales pitches.

I would get more info about his team, tell him you are interested, get his web site info.

Check with others in your area if they have heard about the team or this scout...  

Ask the high school coach if he got any info on this team..

 

if it doesnt pan out..leave your check book at home...and  just look for another team..

Associate scouts very often do have teams. That's why they are called scout teams.

One of my sons coaches in HS was an associate scout for the cardinals, and this did give him exposure.

He was drafted by them in 2007.

Just ask (as suggested by JH) what scout the work for would be helpful.